Fire Restrictions Announced by BLM Rawlins Office

Due to continuing dry conditions and high fire danger the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is implementing partial fire restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in the Sweetwater County portion of the Rawlins Field Office beginning, Sunday, July 15, 2007. These restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.

Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.

Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A.

The following persons are exempt from this order: Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission and any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty

According to, 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559 and 3571, any person who knowingly and willfully performs any act restricted by a Fire Prevention Order, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for more than six months, or both. Restitution for total suppression and damage costs incurred will be borne by the trespasser.

The above fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions in place on all BLM-administered public lands in Wyoming. These prohibitions are:

Discharging or using any fireworks.

Discharging a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.

Burning, igniting, or causing to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.

Operating any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester.

For more information on BLM fire restrictions or conditions, contact your local BLM office or go to: www.blm.go/wy/.